Hay (since 1946 known as Hay-on-Wye) is a true marcher town. being right on the border between England and Wales. This border is marked by the Dulas brook, which flows into the river Wye to the east of the town. The main part of the town is in the Welsh County of Powys. The town's name in Welsh is Y Gelli (The Grove).
Throughout its thousand-year history Hay has undergone many transformations. These photographs and prints covering at least one hundred and fifty years, gives an idea of life in this small market town in a past age.
Hay now attracts a wide variety of visitors drawn by its reputation as a beautiful town, a world-renowned centre for the book trade, and by the tranquility of its setting at the foot of the Black Mountains and in the picturesque Wye Valley.
The town of Hay today
The photographs and pictures are intended to record the characters, buildings and events of a former way of life and provide a facinating glimpse of Hay in years gone by.
All the old photographs and prints in this site are from my later collection which has emerged since the publication of "Old Hay" in pictures and prints published in 2003*. These are all the latest additions to the collection and will be added to as more become available.
*The original book has been reprinted and is available at
Pemberton Books, High Town Hay .
If you know any names of people appearing on these old photographs or dates, or any other details I will be most grateful. Please send me your comments etc. from my "contact" page
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: With regard to the pages "To the Fallen" I have been requested by The Royal British Legion, Hay-on-Wye Branch, to assist in the research and eventual publication of a booklet containing as full details as possible about the men from Hay and Cusop who gave their lives in the two World Wars. more...
Latest: Boxing Day meet of the Golden Valley Hunt at the Town Clock in 1964. 8mm film found recently in the attic. Thought you would like to see it.
I must thank all those who have loaned or given me the original prints in order that they can be scanned, corrected and often repaired so that you and I can enjoy these glimpses into the past.
There are loads of old photographs within these pages. They are not in any chronological order. There are also some old converted 8mm films from the 1960's and 70's. The quality is not brilliant due to the conversion processes but may bring back a few memories.
Just enjoy.
Please note: Any unauthorised copying will constitute an infringement of copyright.